Overview of Role:
This is a hands-on, laboratory-based role in cell biology, focused on antibody screening and functional characterization in oncology and immunology. The scientist takes primary responsibility for bench work, from binding assays through immune-effector and cell-killing assays, and contributes directly to the discovery, characterization, and advancement of new antibody pipeline candidates.
Role and Responsibilities:
- Antibody Screening and Binding Characterization
- Perform antibody ELISA (binding, specificity, and cross-reactivity) to screen and rank candidate antibodies.
- Run cell-based binding assays on target-expressing tumor and immune cell lines and primary cells, typically by flow cytometry, to assess binding strength and specificity.
- Develop, optimize, and qualify assays, and analyze and summarize screening data to support candidate selection.
- Immune-Cell Functional Assays
- Run PBMC-based tumor-killing assays and co-culture systems using primary human immune cells.
- Measure T cell and NK cell activation, including activation markers, proliferation, cytokine release, and cytotoxicity.
- Evaluate regulatory T cell (Treg) depletion and shifts in immune-cell composition after antibody treatment.
- Use mechanistic findings to inform indication selection, rational combinations, and biomarker development.
- Fc-Effector Function Characterization
- Design and execute ADCC, CDC, and ADCP assays to characterize the effector function of candidate antibodies.
- Compare candidates across Fc formats, target-expression levels, and cell models to understand mechanism of action, evaluate antibody potency and safety.
- In Vivo Studies (as applicable)
- Support animal studies, including PK/PD experiments, to connect in vitro activity with in vivo exposure and pharmacodynamic response.
- Work with contract research organizations and academic laboratories to extend in vitro and in vivo studies.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration and Scientific Communication
- Design and run experiments to characterize and advance candidate molecules.
- Prepare both in-depth analyses and executive-level summaries for internal stakeholders.
- Serve as a subject-matter expert in cross-functional teams and support decision-making.
- Develop conference abstracts and presentations, and contribute manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
- Perform other assigned responsibilities, including SOP and protocol drafting, instrument maintenance, etc.
- All other duties as assigned
Experience, Education and Specialized Knowledge and Skills:
- PhD plus at least 3 years of industry experience, or MS plus at least 5 years of industry experience, in cell biology, immunology, cancer biology, or a related field.
- Experience with multi-antibody characterization, including ELISA and cell-based binding assays for antibody screening.
- Hands-on experience with ADCC, CDC, and ADCP assays for antibody characterization.
- Experience with primary human PBMCs and isolated T cells and NK cells, including PBMC-based tumor-killing assays, T cell and NK cell activation assays, and Treg depletion assays.
- Able to work independently, with strong record of scientific communication across presentations, posters, and manuscripts, together with cross-functional collaboration experience.
- Assess emerging technologies, scientific literature, and competitive landscapes in oncology and immunology to inform innovation and pipeline development.
- Preferred
- In vivo animal experience, particularly PK/PD studies, including study design, dosing, sample collection, and analysis of exposure and pharmacodynamic readouts in mouse tumor models.
- Antibody affinity measurement (for example SPR or BLI) and reporter-gene assays for target binding or blockade.
- Publication record in immuno-oncology.
- Multiplex immunohistochemistry or fluorescence microscopy.
- Experience in IND study reports.